President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the passing of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, calling him a "good friend of Pakistan" and a key architect of Pak-China strategic ties.

Zhu Rongji, the 5th Premier of China, passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 97. He served as Premier from 1998 to 2003 and was also a member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee from 1992 to 2002.

In a statement, President Zardari said:  

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the leadership and people of our Iron Brother on the passing of Premier Zhu Rongji. Pakistan has lost one of its good friends today.”

https://x.com/PresOfPakistan/status/2087546438603657519?s=20

The President added that Pakistan shares the grief of the bereaved family and stands in solidarity with President Xi Jinping and the people of China.  

“Premier Zhu’s contribution to cementing the strategic partnership between our two countries will always be remembered,” he stated.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan.  

“Deeply saddened by the passing of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, a great leader and a good friend of Pakistan. Pakistan shares the grief of our Iron Brother China at this sad hour,” the PM said.

PM Shehbaz extended heartfelt condolences to President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, the Chinese people and the bereaved family.

https://x.com/CMShehbaz/status/2087535815333380395?s=20

Zhu Rongji was widely credited with driving major economic reforms in China during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was also regarded in Pakistan as a steadfast supporter of bilateral cooperation under the framework of the all-weather Pakistan-China friendship.

The Government of Pakistan has expressed solidarity with China during this period of mourning.

Published in Balochistan Dispatch, August 13th , 2026